In a captivating preseason clash, the Houston Texans triumphed over the New England Patriots with a 20-9 victory, showcasing the potential of their rising stars. As the NFL preseason gets underway, the spotlight was on rookie quarterback Stroud, who made his debut amid both triumphs and challenges.
Stroud, the second overall draft pick from Ohio State, made his entrance with high expectations, and though his debut had its shaky moments, it was punctuated by flashes of promise. During his two series on the field, Stroud completed two of four passes for a total of 13 yards. His initial experience included a scramble for six yards and an interception. The pressures of being a rookie quarterback were evident as he navigated his way through the game.
In his post-game reflection, Stroud displayed accountability for his performance, stating, “I’m critical of myself. But that is what being a quarterback and a rookie quarterback is. I hold myself to a different standard… One mistake on national television blows it all up. But, it’s cool, I’ll just keep growing.”
Davis Mills, the Texans’ backup quarterback who started 15 games last season, replaced Stroud and brought a sense of stability to the team’s offense. Mills completed an impressive 9 of 12 passes for 99 yards during his time on the field. He capped off a powerful drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to rookie Tank Dell, a defining moment of the game.
As the game unfolded, Dalton Keene further added to the Texans’ lead with a 1-yard touchdown run, and Case Keenum contributed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Alex Bachman. Rookie Tank Dell emerged as a standout, amassing five catches for 65 yards.
On the Patriots’ side, backup Bailey Zappe filled in for quarterback Mac Jones, who was given the night off along with other projected starters. Zappe’s performance was notable, going 12 of 14 for 79 yards during his time on the field. Patriots coach Bill Belichick acknowledged that the absence of several key offensive linemen due to injuries had impacted their offensive performance, leading to challenges in finishing drives.
The game also provided a platform for rookie players to make their mark. Rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham, an undrafted player from Louisville, contributed a late 9-yard touchdown run, showcasing the depth of talent on display.
The contest highlighted the ongoing competition between Stroud and Mills for the starting quarterback position for the Houston Texans. The coaching staff has been splitting first-team snaps between the two quarterbacks during training camp, and both players are eager to make their case for the coveted role.
As the preseason unfolds and rookies and veterans alike strive to find their footing, this matchup served as a compelling preview of the talent and potential that will shape the upcoming NFL season. Stroud’s debut, marked by a mix of challenges and moments of brilliance, is a testament to the rigorous demands and rewards of the football journey. With each pass, scramble, and interception, these players continue to write their stories, each chapter contributing to the unfolding narrative of the NFL preseason.
